Back in April, when U.S. Soccer shuttered its Development Academy, a frenzy shaped youth soccer circles. Namely, where would all those clubs and players go?
The answer, for most, was the Girls Academy League. Home to seven conferences nationally, it provides a high-end platform for competition that operates around a 10 month-flex model. There’s the year-round option if players so desire, but they can also still compete for their high schools. It’s up to them.
As the 2020-21 season nears, Labor Day weekend (Sept. 6/7) is circled for inaugural games. The COVID-19 pandemic complicates everything, though that’s the target date for NEFC, Oakwood, Seacoast United and South Shore Select – the region's four clubs in the GAL's Northeast Conference.
As games (hopefully) get underway, we’re breaking down the older age groups across New England. Here’s our look at U-19 standouts and what to watch for.
